Tax Relief and Public Safety Take Center Stage as Jeanine Driscoll Challenges Laura Gillen for New York’s 4th Congressional District

As the November election approaches, the race for New York’s 4th Congressional District has intensified into a fierce referendum on affordability, taxation, and public safety. Republican candidate Jeanine Driscoll, currently serving as the Hempstead Town Receiver of Taxes, has positioned her campaign around a core promise: making life more affordable for families who are being crushed by high living costs and rising safety concerns.

Driscoll, a seasoned attorney and long-time public servant who serves as Receiver of Taxes for America’s largest town, has sharply contrasted her record with that of her incumbent opponent.

On the economic front, Driscoll has heavily criticized her opponent’s legislative voting record, pointing out that Laura Gillen voted against critical tax relief measures—including the quadrupling of the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction, which now allows more than 90% of Nassau County taxpayers to fully deduct their state and local tax bills. Furthermore, Driscoll’s campaign has slammed her opponent’s votes against popular tax cuts like “no tax on tips, overtime, and Social Security benefits,” arguing that Gillen voted to deny much-needed financial breathing room to seniors living on fixed incomes, working-class families, hospitality workers, and local law enforcement officers.

Beyond economic pressures, the campaign trail has increasingly focused on the alarming rise of public safety threats and antisemitism in New York. In local community strongholds like the Five Towns, residents have expressed deep anxiety over the soaring rates of antisemitic hate incidents across the greater New York metropolitan area. Community leaders and local advocates argue that this surge in anti-Jewish hatred has been dangerously normalized by inflammatory rhetoric from Zohran Mamdani, leaving families feeling increasingly vulnerable in their own neighborhoods. Driscoll has made law enforcement support, community protection, and a zero-tolerance approach to fighting antisemitic hate central pillars of her platform.

With Election Day fast approaching, voters in Nassau County face a stark choice between the status quo and Driscoll’s pledge of tax cuts, economic fairness, fighting antisemitism, and uncompromising community safety. n

Blakeman Delivers Knockout Debate Performance as Hochul Fails to Defend Her Record of Making NY Unaffordable & Unsafe

Gubernatorial Debate with Kathy Hochul and Bruce Blakeman on 10-13-2026

Credit Screenshot of Spectrum News NY1

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman delivered a knockout performance in the October 13 gubernatorial debate, relentlessly exposing Kathy Hochul’s record of highest-in-the-nation taxes and utility bills, while the incumbent Governor struggled to explain why New Yorkers should trust her with another four years of making their lives unaffordable.

“Kathy Hochul has spent five years making New York unaffordable and unsafe, and tonight she couldn’t defend a minute of it. Her policies have left New Yorkers paying the highest taxes in the nation and utility bills 70% above the national average, costing families thousands more every year. Meanwhile, as hardworking New Yorkers struggle to keep the lights on, Hochul has spent billions of their taxpayer dollars on luxury hotel rooms, free healthcare, free food, and free cell phones for illegal migrants—all while refusing to apologize for her sanctuary city policies and dangerous loopholes that have allowed violent criminals to roam free, resulting in horrific migrant rapes and murders across our state. Coupled with her alliance with anti-American, anti-Christian extremist Zohran Mamdani, New Yorkers have paid quite enough for her failures. I’m running to cut your taxes, slash your utility bills in half, back our police, and restore law and order,” Blakeman said. n

New York City Council Hosts Annual Sukkot Celebration at City Hall 2026

Caption New York City Council Hosts Annual Sukkot Celebration at City Hall 2026

Speaker Julie Menin and members of the New York City Council gathered at City Hall on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, alongside civic leaders, community advocates, and clergy to host the Council’s Annual Sukkot Celebration.

The annual event, held during the intermediate days of the holiday (Chol HaMoed), highlighted unity, mutual respect, and neighborhood public service across the five boroughs. In keeping with the tradition of welcoming guests (Ushpizin), the Council presented official proclamations honoring outstanding organizations and leaders who have made lasting contributions to the city’s civic and cultural life.

This year’s honorees included:

Hindy Poupko, Executive Vice President of UJA-Federation of New York, recognized for her transformative civic leadership, strategic advocacy, and tireless work strengthening social services and combating antisemitism across New York.

Boro Park Shomrim, recognized for decades of dedicated volunteer safety patrols, search-and-rescue assistance, and vital partnership with the NYPD in South Brooklyn.

Williamsburg Shomrim, honored for round-the-clock volunteer community watch, crisis intervention, and unwavering commitment to safeguarding North Brooklyn residents.

Rabbi Chaim Moshe Butman of the Lubavitch Youth Organization—continuing the City Hall tradition established by his late father, Rabbi Shmuel Menachem Mendel Butman, of blessed memory—officiated the ceremonial observances inside the City Hall Sukkah. Rabbi Butman led council members, dignitaries, and attendees in reciting the traditional blessings over the lulav and esrog (the Four Species), offering reflections on unity and peace.

“Sukkot reminds us of the strength found in shelter, community, and standing shoulder-to-shoulder,” said City Council Speaker Julie Menin. “Today, we honor individuals and volunteer organizations who embody that spirit through action every single day. From Boro Park and Williamsburg Shomrim protecting our neighborhoods, to Hindy Poupko’s visionary work at UJA, and Rabbi Chaim Moshe Butman carrying forward an inspiring family tradition of holiday warmth at City Hall, our city is safer, stronger, and more connected because of their dedicated service.”

Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, Executive Vice President of the Rabbinical Alliance of America, praised the event and its honorees, adding, “The festival of Sukkot teaches us the vital importance of coming together under one canopy of peace and mutual respect. We deeply appreciate Speaker Julie Menin and the City Council for their steadfast partnership with the Jewish community and for hosting this beautiful celebration. I also extend my heartfelt congratulations to Hindy Poupko, the heroic volunteers of the Shomrim, and my esteemed colleague Rabbi Butman. Their selfless dedication truly reflects the highest ideals of public service and makes New York City a better, safer home for all.”

The gathering concluded with a kosher reception outside the City Hall Sukkah, attended by elected officials, community leaders, and civic partners from across New York City.